Chrysler 300C Touring

Performance
Buyers can choose from three petrol engines – a 249bhp 3.5-litre V6, a 340bhp 5.7-litre V8 and a 419bhp 6.1-litre V8. A 218bhp 3.0-litre turbodiesel with impressive pull is also available. The more powerful V8 in the SRT-8 model will go from 0-60mph in just five seconds.

Ride & handling
On the road, the 300C always feels like a big car, which isn’t surprising given its weight and length. The ride is fidgety at lower speeds and some body float is evident over dips and crests, although changes of direction through fast sweeping bends are carried off with assured ease.

Refinement
For the most part, the 300C wafts its occupants along serenely, and it’s only at higher speeds that road and wind noise become audible. Although the potent V8 engine can’t match the silky smoothness of a Jaguar XJ8’s, it seldom needs to be worked hard to make smooth and rapid progress. The 3.0-litre diesel also remains quiet unless pushed hard.

Buying & owning
The 300C is attractively priced, but we expect it to suffer heavy depreciation, and all the engines fall into high company car tax bands. In an effort to keep running costs down, the V8 engine automatically shuts down four cylinders to reduce fuel consumption while cruising, although you can still expect only about 21mpg. The diesel is a more efficient choice, averaging 34.9mpg.

Quality & reliability
The 300C’s cabin is a pleasant enough place to while away the miles, although the plastics and trim used don’t look as classy as those in European rivals. Chrysler will probably be looking for an improvement on its past reliability record, after some below-average scores in customer satisfaction surveys.

Safety & security
Crash protection should be first-class thanks to standard front, side, window and rear airbags. Electronic stability control is also fitted, while the presence of deadlocks and an engine immobiliser offer protection against theft.

Behind the wheel
Eight-way seat adjustment helps the driver get comfortable, but things would be better if the steering wheel moved for reach as well as height. It's hard to see the front and rear ends of the car, too, while the comparatively small windscreen and big front pillars create blind spots in tight corners.

Space & practicality
The 300C gives occupants in both rows generous leg-, head, and shoulder room thanks to its vast dimensions. The boot capacity betters many executive estate rivals', but the space is shallow. A cargo organiser with a waterproof boot liner makes it easy to secure loads.

Equipment
Standard equipment puts many rivals to shame. Alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, cruise control and heated leather seats with power adjustment are all included. Also fitted to every car is dual-zone climate control, which tailors the temperature individually for front and rear passengers.

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